While the sea serves as the world's vital artery for global connectivity, maritime safety remains the critical factor keeping this lifeline flowing. Beneath the calm Mediterranean waters, however, significant safety risks have been festering. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has announced an eight-week joint operation with Mediterranean port state control authorities to inspect over 1,000 vessels flying flags from the Cook Islands, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Palau.
Targeting Systemic Safety Failures
The coordinated inspections will focus on vessel safety conditions, maintenance standards, and crew welfare issues. ITF inspection coordinators revealed that some shipowners deliberately register vessels under these flags to cut costs, resulting in poorly maintained, aging ships that endanger both crew safety and marine environments.
"These flags currently represent the worst-performing registries for vessels operating in the Mediterranean region," said Seddik Berrama, Secretary General of Algeria's FNTT transport union and ITF Vice President for the Arab World region.
Alarming Safety Record
The crackdown follows disturbing statistics from the past two years: vessels under these four flags were involved in 33 maritime incidents, leading to 100 abandoned seafarers and over $5.5 million in unpaid wages. European port state control inspections uncovered more than 5,000 deficiencies or detentions among these vessels.
Port authorities worldwide have expressed growing concern about the deteriorating performance of these flag states, with many vessels showing repeated violations of international maritime standards.
Protecting Seafarer Rights
Beyond safety concerns, the operation aims to expose systemic exploitation of maritime workers. Many substandard operators under these flags reportedly depress wages and benefits while subjecting crews to unacceptable living conditions.
The ITF emphasized that this coordinated action sends a clear message that substandard shipping practices will not be tolerated. By working closely with port authorities, the federation intends to impose strict measures against vessels violating safety protocols or crew welfare standards.
This Mediterranean-wide safety initiative serves both as a warning to negligent operators and as protection for maritime professionals. Strengthening enforcement and raising safety benchmarks remain essential for safeguarding lives at sea while ensuring the region's shipping industry develops sustainably.